Board Rethinks Buying BAC Devices

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio has halted a $6.4 million order for drunken-driving testing machines.

The Ohio Controlling Board agreed Monday to reconsider releasing funds to buy 700 breath-testing machines from a Kentucky company. The panel had approved the order two weeks ago.

The devices' accuracy is being challenged in several states. Board members also say they're concerned about how CMI Inc. of Owensboro, Ky., was picked for the noncompetitive contract.

CMI says its Intoxilyzer 8000 machine is being used in about 10 states and is reliable.

Officials from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Ohio Department of Health had pushed for the devices and defended the purchase in testimony Monday.

The board will take up the issue again Dec. 15.

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